Refreshing the palette

March 03, 2006|By Annie Groer, The Washington Post

Every year, paint companies and trend forecasters roll out their predictions for what's on the color horizon. The past couple of years have been dominated by "spa colors" of watery blues and greens, with splashes of melon and a blush of pinks. Teal blue and sable brown have been widely paired, particularly by traditionalists, as have creams and sage, and many brews of latte. The more adventuresome have jolted rooms with shades of orange, purple and the still-lingering lime.

Now--when it's too cold to garden or start exterior improvements--is prime time for interior design projects, "especially no that the paints are more low-odor. It's a good pick-me-up," says Peggy Van Allen, color marketing manager for Pratt & Lampert Paints. So, in the hopes of getting a heads-up about trends, we asked companies that manufacture and market paint what shades will be ascendant in 2006. As the color wheel spins again, their predictions spatter in all directions.

Ablaze, Duron

"Red is now, and this one is cross-cultural. It goes from a real mid-century modern feel that teams with black and white to Latin or Asian," says Mark Woodman, color marketing and design mangers. Sold at all Duron stores. (www.duron.com or 800-723-8766)

Based on "environmentally conscious living, it's like a blend of grass and sky. It is a very strong organic color," says Dee Schlotter, marketing communications manager. Sold at all Pittsburgh Paints stores and other retailers. (www.pittsburghpaints.com)

This intense bluish green "reflects the influence from another culture, in this case China," says senior designer Becky Ralich Spak. Jade and vivid red "are a historic combination used on the exterior of many ancient temples." (www.sherwin-williams.com or 800-723-8766)

Mother Nature, Behr

"The greens of 2006 are warm, more natural looking and complement most other hot colors, such as browns, purples, even some yellows," says Tiffany Campbell, Behr spokeswoman. Available at Home Depot stores. (www.behr.com or 877-237-6158)

Peaceful Pines, Dutch Boy

"A strong yellowy-green, kind of an avocado," says Donna Schroeder, color marketing manager. Not available at retailers until April. (www.dutchboy.com or 800-828-5669)